If someone asked you to list the biggest cybersecurity threats in your office, you’d probably mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But would you think of your office printer? Probably not. Surprisingly, that quiet printer in the corner could be one of the biggest risks to your entire network.

It may sound strange, but hackers actually target printers—and many businesses don’t realize the danger until it’s too late. Back in 2020, Cybernews conducted what they called the “Printer Hack Experiment.” They tested 50,000 printers and were able to successfully hack into 56% of them. That’s nearly 28,000 printers taken over simply because companies didn’t consider them a security threat. Instead of stealing data, the hackers just printed out a warning about printer security—but it was a clear wake-up call.

Why Would Hackers Go After Printers?

Because printers hold a surprising amount of valuable data—and most companies don’t protect them properly.

Here’s what makes printers such an attractive target:

• Printers store your documents – Every time you print, scan, or copy something, your printer may save a copy. Many have built-in hard drives that can store years of files—payroll data, contracts, employee records, and more. If a hacker gets in, they can quietly steal or even reprint those documents.
• Default passwords make it easy – Most printers come with generic admin logins like “admin/admin” or “123456.” If no one changes them, hackers can break in without much effort.
• They’re connected to your network – Printers are part of your Wi-Fi or office network. If one is hacked, it could give criminals a path into your entire system to install malware or steal data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be stolen mid-transit – Without encryption, print jobs can be intercepted before they even reach the printer. This puts confidential documents like contracts, financial reports, or health records at risk.
• Hackers can spy on your activity – Today’s printers often have scan-to-email and cloud sharing features. If compromised, hackers can use them to access stored files or send scanned documents to themselves.
• Outdated software = open door – Just like your computer, your printer needs software (firmware) updates to stay secure. But most businesses forget this, leaving printers exposed to known vulnerabilities.
• Old printers still hold data – If you toss out or recycle a printer without wiping its storage, a hacker can extract sensitive data from it later. That kind of slip-up can lead to serious security and legal problems.

In short, printers aren’t just machines that spit out paper—they’re digital devices that need the same protection as your computers and servers.

How To Keep Hackers Out Of Your Printers

Now that you know your printer can be a real cybersecurity risk, here are the steps you should take right away:

1. Change The Default Password
   If your printer still uses the factory login like “admin” or “123456,” change it now. Choose a strong, unique password—just like you would for your bank or email.
2. Keep Firmware Updated
   Printer makers release updates to fix security bugs. Log into your printer settings to check for updates, or ask your IT provider to manage it for you.
3. Encrypt Your Print Jobs
   Turn on Secure Print features or enable encryption so no one can “listen in” on your documents while they’re printing.
4. Control Who Can Print
   Set permissions so only trusted employees can use the printer. If the printer supports PIN codes or user logins, set them up—especially for sensitive documents. You can even set a guest option if needed.
5. Clear Stored Data Often
   Many printers store copies of documents. If possible, delete these regularly. If your printer has a hard drive, make sure it’s encrypted. And when it’s time to dispose of or replace a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive first.
6. Use A Firewall
   Printers, like computers, should be behind a secure firewall to block unwanted outside access.
7. Monitor Printer Use
   Your IT team should track printer activity. Keep an eye out for anything strange—like unexpected print jobs, unknown users, or someone accessing the printer remotely. These are all warning signs of a possible attack.

Securing your printer might not sound exciting, but it could save you from a major security headache down the line.

Printers Aren’t Just Office Tools – They’re Vulnerabilities

Many businesses don’t think of printers as a cybersecurity risk—after all, they’re just used for printing documents. But that’s exactly why hackers target them. Most companies forget to secure their printers, making them an easy way in for cybercriminals.

You might have strong protections in place for your computers, but if your printers are wide open, your network is still at risk.

Not sure if your printers are secure? Start out by giving us a quick Discovery Call! We can also check your printers—and the rest of your network—for weak spots and help you close any gaps.

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